What a draw! After a consistently dull group stage (of which the only real highlight was the sad demise of Manchester United), the Champions League sprang into life today with the draw for the last 16. Arsenal will take on Real Madrid and Chelsea, surprise surprise, have drawn Barcelona again.
Seeing as London is still waiting for one of its own to lay their hands on the big-eared cup, it might have been nicer for Rangers and Benfica to have been drawn out of the bag as opposition. But then, that would be churlish, because when you are handed two ties that come with a 'guaranteed to be mouth-wateringly exciting' stamped certificate, you have no option but shout a huge 'thank you' to the footballing gods and do a little jig in the corner of your home or place of work.
Of the two London sides, Arsenal probably have the better chance of progression. Real are a shambles and this season the Gooners have finally learnt how to bank some solid form during the group stages. Plus, with their Premiership season falling apart, they have no choice but to concentrate fully on Europe. Chelsea, of course, fear no one. But Barcelona are going to want to beat them so so badly after last season's shenanigans, and that burning hatred, desire, whatever you want to call it, will be enough to pull them through. What a prospect though. We recommend following the lengthy build up to these fixtures on Arseblog and Chelseablog - enjoy.
No one could be arsed sending us their Premiership Predictions, so here's a quick run-through.
Fulham vs Blackburn
The cottagers to persevere. Home win.
West Ham vs Newcastle
Bound to be a cracker, but honours even. Draw.
Wigan vs Charlton
Will be interesting to see if Wigan can return to winning ways. Probably not, but we don't feel that a Charlton revival is properly underway yet either. Draw.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
The big one. Home win.
Middlesbrough vs Tottingham
Spurs to come unstuck. Home win.
No the most inspiring set of predictions is it? Oh well, looks like next week we'll have no option but to force innocent members of the public to speak to us.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
